US3660233A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear reactor upper core grid
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1969-11-12
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Granted: 1972-05-02
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Expires: 1989-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A fuel assembly top guide for the fuel core of a nuclear reactor including screws having threads with an acute included angle between the thread pressure flank face and the screw axis for fastening the notched intersections of the beams forming the top guide.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles Arthur Dalke
- 👤 Cedric L Child
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 01:15
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C5/00; G21C5/02; G21C5/06; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30; Y10; Y10S; Y10S411/00; Y10S411/924; Y10S411/929; Y10S411/938
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
In a nuclear reactor, a fuel assembly upper core grid comprising: a plurality of relatively thin, notched beams arranged in a cross-laced interlocking array to form a plurality of fuel assembly passages, and a respective screw engaging said beams at each of the notched intersections of said beams, said screw being formed with sawtoothed threads having an acute angle between the crest portion of the thread pressure flank face and the screw axis and said beams being formed with matching female threads whereby upon tightening said screws against said beams the beams are urged toward said screws.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
In a nuclear reactor, a fuel assembly upper core grid comprising: a plurality of relatively thin, notched beams arranged in a cross-laced interlocking array to form a plurality of fuel assembly passages, and a respective screw engaging said beams at each of the notched intersections of said beams, said screw being formed with sawtoothed threads having an acute angle between the crest portion of the thread pressure flank face and the screw axis and said beams being formed with matching female threads whereby upon tightening said screws against said beams the beams are urged toward said screws.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The top guide of claim 1 a respective screw engaging said beams at the top and at the bottom of each of said intersections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The top guide of claim 1 wherein said acute angle is between 45.0* and 89.99* .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The top guide of claim 1 wherein said screws are greater in diameter than the thickness of said beams.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The top guide of claim 1 wherein said beams are supported by and secured to an annular support member engaging the ends of said beams.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The top guide of claim 5 wherein each end of each of said beams is fitted with an end bar of greater thickness than said beams for attachment to said support member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-02 | 1975-11-01 | 1976-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-02 | 1979-11-01 | 1980-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-02 | 1983-11-01 | 1984-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |